Since Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira joined Manchester United from Porto back in 2007 the Old Trafford faithful have been split over the midfielder’s influence, importance and ability to be included in Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team. Gifted? Yes. Committed? One thinks so. Frustrating? Also at times yes.
However in the 2011-12 campaign thus-far, Anderson is starting to show why Ferguson splashed a reported £20 million on the South American four years ago, as the Brazil international seemingly has more of a positive impact on the Premier League champions’ fate. Manchester United stats show that the 23-year-old is starting to mature and play a more pivotal role at Old Trafford.
The United fans have missed the guile, creativity and goal-scoring prowess of the legendary and now retired Paul Scholes this term, but Anderson is starting to show that he could be the man to plug gap left by the former England international. Although there is only one Scholes to us United supporters, Anderson could well play an important role in the defence of the Premier League title this season.
United fans have been frustrated by the lack of goals Anderson contributes, and being honest it will take some doing for the eight-times capped Brazilian to equal Scholes’ eye for goal from the centre of the park. That said, Anderson has hit the back of the net twice this season and created one assist; more than any of his team-mates in the same position.
The average rating of 7.37 on painstakingly accurate statistics website WhoScored.com is second only to Wayne Rooney in the United squad, and considerably better than that of Giggs, Fletcher, Cleverley and Carrick.
A completed pass percentage of 85% shows that silly mistakes and the loss of concentration in Anderson’s game is hopefully being stamped out at Carrington, whilst the former Gremio man makes 1.8 key passes per game. The South American’s battling qualities have never been in question, and Anderson tops United’s defensive statistics. He has made an average of 2.6 tackles per game so far this campaign, more than any other player in The Red Devils’ squad, and 1.8 interceptions per game.
The Brazilian is maturing under Sir Alex’s tutelage and now should be considered an important man in the United squad, starting with the trip to Swansea this Saturday. Stats show that the Brazilian is increasing in stature, whilst others may not have the influence that their reputation may suggest.
For the latest Manchester United player and team statistics from all competitions look to WhoScored.com. This innovative and original website breaks down player performance and rank the individual attributes of the specific participants, which is updated soon after every game.
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I bet this gets 500+ posts…:)
Jeet
Hi buddy, how are you? Bet it would! Got some green here that would make you drool… Really helps with the pain mind you!
Sheasy Scholsey
Gone but not forgotten
19
Think he’s been excellent this term, and he also dovetails beautifully with Cleverley. He’s not afraid to turn on the ball in tight situations and is far more elusive than the overly static Fletcher and Carrick
I’m a big fan of Anderson but it remains true that when he’s good he’s very, very good, but when he’s not, he’s very very poor. Let’s hope he’s finally growing up and working hard to cement his place. He’s got all the attributes if he only puts his mind to it and it would be great to see him take on more responsibility at the heart of the engine room. I’ll always treasure the gleeful way he lashed in his penalty in the Moscow shoot-out in the Champions League Final. That’s the spirit son!
So back on Ando, always stated that the kid does not lack ability, we’ve seen that during the first few games of the season, what he does lack in my opinion is confidence and self belief
Hi REDS,
Ando has improved this term imo, but I still expect more from him. If he were to be more consistent then we would have Wazza upfront along with Danny or Chicha. come on UTD
Giles
You always say it better than I can! Well said my good friend
@cedars: Good, sir – thanks for asking! trying to get some work done and getting bored to fuck with the footy break! Need to buy myself a new pair of studs and trying to figure out the best for my level and budget. Last Friday, the missus and I had a wild night after a loooong time. Ran through the entire family stash and a bottle of neat scotch, and we went on singing till 4 in the morning! This weekend is inventory replenishment time – I just hope we get a rocking match to go with it!
Anderson just needs to keep consistent…
Sure Anderson doesn’t score a lot, but imo Scholes has set the bar too high for any of our other CMs. Anderson is our top scoring midfielder over the last 2 seasons by the way…
Like Alom said, Ando just needs to be more consistent. And that goes for others too.
Goo lad Ando , still with a lot of work to do to improve his consistency. Cant help thinking he would have done better had the opening midfeid combination been uninterupted by injuries.
Is ther any truths to the Christian Eriksen rumour, it seems to be building momentum & is the lad any good? i.e better than our lot Morrison, Pogba et al?
GOOD LAD!
@Costas
Hiya mate hope ur ok, u know its because of your and King Eric’s posts that I joined ROM. Be blessed man
Cant pass,doesnt score,doesnt tackle well,doesnt look interested half the time…can run ok with the ball though from time to time…..would him to turn it around,but im sorry to say i cant see it
I like him but, like a lot of our midfield, he is a good, solid player but is he world class? Is he of the calibre of Silva/Fabregas/Scholes/Sneijder? Let’s not forget how overpowered our midfield was vs City. He is a good squad player but I still think, even with him improving, we are lacking a world class name in the middle of the park. Good to see his performances are on the rise though!
@Gerriered
Thanks pal. That’s kind of you to say. I am sure your contributions will be just as good.
Gerriered
Could not agree more, posters like Costas and King Eric and many more makes me proud to be part of this United loving community….
Must be ‘poster love day’ on RoM! hahaha
**love him to turn it around**
Funny stat from whoscored,com: Berbatov has had more aerial success than both Vidic and Rio…Time 2 move him to the defense
I agree with Giles. Anderson is too petulant in games when he isn’t on form. That is my primary problem with him. That was my main issue with Nani a couple of years ago as well. But Nani always used to come up with something special in a few games that made it easier to overlook. As Giles said, when Anderson is poor, he is very, very poor. Now, I don’t mind that because players on a poor day will always be like that. What I do fucking mind is the lack of enthusiasm and energy on off-days. It looks like he has a devil-may-care attitude to everything that is going on around him.
Consider Fletcher for example, even when he isn’t on form – and he hasn’t been for a good year or more – at least the work rate is there for all to see. In games when Fletch and Ando have been together and Ando has regressed, it almost looked like Fletch was doing double the work and we were playing with one MF.
Yes, he is good when he can be. Yes, he has missed Cleverley and once Tom returns to full fitness (God knows when that will happen. Ask Costas.
), he should find his feet. And, yes, he can carry a game on his own when he wants to. However, when he isn’t all of the above, I still want him to put in a shift. To make himself be counted whether the football he is playing his good or not. As long as he doesn’t do that, I am going to remain completely skeptical.
Plus, as Costas said, it is time we stopped comparing people to Scholes, Keane or Giggs. There’s a reason they’re called irreplaceable. Even someone as good as Xavi – who is the best MF in present day football – isn’t anywhere near an all-around complete player like Scholes was. Expecting Tom/Ando to be that is an exercise in futility as far as I am concerned.
To be honest when I read the thread title which started with Stats, the first name that came to my mind was Costas!
I apologize for being disrespectful earlier, you see Giles Oakley should only be addressed as Sir Giles
Hhmm. Very interesting because when I see him play and Tom, Tom looks the much better player. I like Ando but his inconsistency bugs me. More games alongside Tom may bring back that early season form. What I prefer about Cleverley is his one touch passing and short game. Anderson needs to cut out OR improve his hollywood passes.
Talking of passing it was interesting to see that THE only player in the Spain side on Saturday capable of switching play and hitting 50 yard balls is Xabi Alonso. Could this be down to his time in the premier league? Rarely, if ever, see Xavi and Iniesta hitting long balls.
i think anderson has the ability to solve most of our midfield problems..
his poor displays have conincided with us not playing expansive fast football.. hence i think fergie gave him a break till cleverly returned.
im sure clev anderson and even rafael will play against swansea..
I also find it bizarre when I read stats that such and such a player have made an average of 2 tackles or so per game. Two fucking tackles a game. What the fuck? I know this applies to most players these days. Has football become a non contact sport? Imagine Robbo’s stats. Average 386 tackles a game!!
Not trying to get any compliments thrown my way, but I don’t believe that I offer anything unique to this place. Many posters’ tactical analysis is a lot better than mine and I’m not the most positive fan in the world either. Maybe it’s my stats as Cedars says, lol.
Speaking of which, can anyone name the one time that Fergie didn’t field any English players in his starting line up (that doesn’t include Welsh, Scots or Irish by the way). A few hints:
- It was a big game and we won the game 2-0.
- Ronaldo scored a free kick.
- Somoeone who’s currently in the headlines also scored that day. One of his last goals for us.
bayobuya – Erickson looks a player pal.
@Giles
Perfectly summed up, i said the same on another thread to Denton Davey that this kid has everything in his locker and on his day he is top drawer. The problem which is well documenetd is we dont often see him produce his talent. He has great balance and poise but for me far to frustrating to entrust at the moment. It has to be between Carrick, Fletch, and Clev.
GerrieRed – Thanks mate.
eriksen certainly looks like a player..
him or lucas would be a good buy since buyin some established creative mid would stunt cleverly’s development..
hell even rodwell looks good these days.. he also ticks most of the boxes apart from stayin injury free.
now we wouldn’t want another injury prone player with the medical staff we have. would we.
Costas – City at home 08/09?
Oh hang on didnt Fletcher play that day?
Oh shit sorry Costas. ENGLISH players. Stand by my original answer then.
eriksen is an out and out creative mid..
i doubt fergie would buy him.. he generally goes for complete mids.. box to box type..
even anderson was supposed to be plaing AM or LM when he arrived.. he’s shaped up quite well
most of the criticism he gets is due to us supporters being impatient..
and well also due to him ‘sometimes’ playing as though he’s being forced to
Scholes scored so many goals because he started life as centre forward so always had an eye for goal, plus most central midfielders peak at 26 – 28 so he has time, if we support him he will be awesome.
@King Eric
That’s correct mate. I knew I gave too much away!
@king eric : nice to see you posting again.
Good article RoM, especially as you have the statistics to back it up (WhoScored.Com – Wink)
Rose tinted glasses my Arse
I had no idea its been Anderson making the most tackles per game, lets sell him! Lol. Costas mate, didn’t realise Anderson was top scorer from centre midfield last year, and your right about the high bar set by Scholes, (a bar set over a full first team career, I might add). IMO its like comparing Welbeck to Ruud, its daft. On the one hand people say Scholes is the greatest EVER, but on the other hand they bemoan Anderson for not matching Scholes standards yet. WTF??? Firstly, how can he even attempt to do that with sod all games under his belt? Since his return from injury late last season he’s improved, and his 2 goals thus far (esp winner v Norwich) have been good for the lad. Its been looking really positive for him lately, and he’s a red is he not, so I don’t get the negatives?
Needless to say he’s not ballon d’Or just yet (FFS) but he is improving, and thats not something you can do from the treatment room or the bench sat behind a Legend. Besides, how many players are fully matured and “ready to go” at 23 anyway? Show me one, and I’ll show you a player who has played twice as much first team football as Anderson. Do people forget that he came here as a Champion of Portugal after forcing his way into their first team aged 17? He’s no mug, and neither is Alex. People should give the lad more credit and not spend 99% of the time talking about consistency.
Give the lad time, how can you have consistency without consistently playing? Ronaldo played better AFTER Beckham left, Nani played better AFTER Ronaldo left, so Anderson in many ways was better than both players when he first arrived, because he had top class debut and second seasons while his mentor was still here. There is no denying that injuries in his third and fourth seasons slowed him down, but now that Scholes has left and Anderson is keeping fit, surely its time to support the lad onto the next stage of his career, and not talk him down?
@King Eric
There is to much love for King Eric / NM at the moment, im still upset by the way he left us
He reminds of Sparky leaving then coming home! Althuogh he has had to much love so im not going to reference Sparky and say Carlos Quirez instead.
Turnover has risen by £10.5m to £73.8m, an increase of 16.5%, in the three-month period that ended 30th September.
Their commercial turnover has increased by 22.3% to £29.6m, largely due to a £40m training kit sponsorship with DHL in what the club described as a ‘ground-breaking deal’.
Match-day income totalled £21.6m, an increase of 9.6%, while media revenues amounted to £22.6m.
The turnover leaves the club with a gross debt of £433.2m, down by £83.5m.
Speaking last month, United’s commercial director Richard Arnold said: “A lot of hard work has gone into getting to the position we are in now and we are already looking to the future.”
now atleast we should be in a position to buy a mid
okay i missed a sentence in the last post
its : ‘manchester united post quaterly profit’
Is it true that cash balance went from 151 million to 65 in the last 3 months?
@Giles Oakley – excellent post mate, you make a succinct point as always!
@costas:no clue… you mean to say glazers took money from the club??
@Paul Parker
To be fair mate i dont think it has been rosey for him this term. In fact I would say he has gone backwards. If you study him during a game then you just see how lazy he can be. I find him infuriating to watch at times and am fed up with his inconsistency, he is not that young anymore and needs to raise his game.
I think we can now all agree that Anderson’s problem if a psychological one. Whether he works better alongside certain players, works better in a certain formation, works better on a Sunday than a Saturday, works better under a full moon… god knows what it is… but none of us do. And crucially it seems neither does Fergie.
Fergie’s biggest strength has always been his man-management and motivational skills. The ability to solve psycholical problems, to synthesise a team from the different attitudes and mindsets of global footballers. But it just seems he hasn’t done this with Ando. I’ve never seen someone so erratic. Dominating and controlling one week. Anyonymous and clueless the next. Let’s hope Fergie can get to the root of the problem and sort it out. If he can get consistency into Anderson’s game, we have a special player, and the midfield ‘situation’ will improve no end.
Cheers lads.
@rohan
Not accusing anyone of anything. I am just asking because it’s one of the figures I noticed in the report. It could be the money we spent on De Gea, Young and Jones.
i have a feeling ferigie’s looking at how well rodwell is playing these days..
everyone knows we were interested till he got his knee knackered.. would be a nice young english addition..
i doubt that totals upto 80 mil or so….
on another topic.. i think we shouldn buy an eriksen or lucas type of player..
an improved rodwell or even a yaya toure’esque player would be nice..
influence increasing ? doubt it.
Being the avid England supporter that I am, I actually thought tonights game was last night at 8pm. Ended up watching THAT Crawley game saved on Sky Plus. The thing is lads, considering it was our next game after the 2-1 win over City (with THAT goal) its kinda bizarre this game entered into folklore regarding Anderson, but his solid performance just the week before against City hasn’t. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking Anderson wasn’t on the pitch for 90 when we went blow for blow with City 4-3. Pretty soon im sure Anderson’s contribution to the 8-1 will be forgotten as well.
@Giggs12 – theres no way im agreeing he has gone backwards this term, and im not sure if your one of these supporters who writes off Tevez as a headless chicken, but if Anderson is making the most tackles this season, and if he’s scoring the most goals from midfield this season, and if he’s personally secured 3pts already with a goal v Norwich…. nah, thats not going backwards in my book, not after a long injury, sorry pal. Besides, if you objectively reckon Anderson is going backwards where the fuck is Fletcher on your radar? He must be back in Scotland by now since the last time he was bossing our midfield. If Fletcher was fit for the last 2 odd seasons I’d be questioning his worth, but he’s been injured and had all types of problems, so im patient with him. Im objective, so Anderson is no different. Do you get my point? If Anderson is going backwards this season WHERE THE FUCK IS BERBATOV RIGHT NOW? BULGARIA? Just makes me laugh mate, we all have our favourites, and some even have favourite players they like to bash, but whatever my own opinion on our lads I’ll always be consistent.
_________
The way I see it – For those fans and supporters who can reel off games that Ando played bad in, I wonder how many games they can remember where Anderson played a blinder? Contrary to popular reports, these quality performances do actually exist! And yes, I understand he frustrates and I agree he does need consistency, absolutely, but even if he was sold tomorrow the lad still deserves credit from the faithfull for what he’s ALREADY DONE.
Kinda sad when foreign players who we’ll probably never buy, and United youth players yet to get a taste of EPL football receive more credit than a player who converted a spot kick to win our third and final Champions League Title. Come on, this is his most important year since he arrived, support your own ffs – 2 goals in 8 games, one worth 3pts, most tackles… yeah lets sell him at 23.
Cedars, I rather think he lacks concentration. His mispasses often give me a feeling of complacency. And it must happen at the most inappropriate area at that – either it’s right in front of defence, or right behind the forwards while the forwards are making space for themselves in the box and the wingers are storming up for an overlap.
Having said that, on his day he can be one heck of a midfielder. But if he keeps alternating between hot and cold, I’d rather Pogba get the nod and rack up some much needed experience. Or the much (incorrectly) criticised Carrick for some no-nonsense stability in central midfield.
Work’s a blimey. Catch you all nearer to match day… can’t wait, thankfully there’s work to keep me occupied!
And I’m sure you missed a “t” in Costats. That just HAS to be his real name.
Epic post from Paul Parker
Slightly irrelevant yet football nonetheless, not really affected by it yet left feeling proud, do not expect anyone here to give a rat’s ass and rightly so….
Lebanon have just beaten South Korea 2-1 in a WC qualifier….. That is the equivalent of Wigan winning the Champions League …….
Get in there you green cedars
United>Lebanon
Seems Fabio was an unused sub for Brazil last night which rules out any fears of him being injured…
YorYor – Guess you summed it up better than me buddy. Concentration is the right word
Don’t really see how anyone can praise Andersons first four years his contribution hasn’t been major thats for sure.Problem with stats does that mean Anderson is getting better or Utd worse.All i know if he wants to be a major player in Utds midfield has to improve,just can’t keep having one good game every three
Giles Oakley is spot on at 12:12
Always worry about him knocking me out of my seat when he shoots tho. (2nd Tier East stand)
Well done to Lebanon Cedars. Does that mean you’re off the pills today?
Shit have to get back to work.
Jeet – Sorry for missing your earlier post buddy, glad you had a blast my friend
James21
Still have to pop them for a further week or so! Cannot trust these docs anymore hahaha
Cheers for the congrats buddy
“the Old Trafford faithful have been split over the midfielder’s influence” Not as much split as the corner has been tore off. Anderson is great at what he does, he’s just not up to Manchester United. And thats not slagging the fella. Pienaar off Everton wouldnt do it for United in my opinion but he’s still a wonderful footballer. When you look at United been all over Barca at the start of the game or the wonderful football United played at the start of the City game that ended with a 6-1 loss it all falls on the same thing. Barcas Midfield and David “Why the fuck didnt United sign him when he was put on a plate to come 3 seasons ago” Silva where the key. The stats to show how Ansdersons positive impact is to show Manchester United this season With and Without Tom Tom Cleverley. He is the type of midfielder United need and for only 3+ months of an injury filled first team football spot at United he is well ahead in where he should be compaired to Luis de Abreu Oliveira. Kiko is a good player but for every ‘young ‘ Kiko there is a ‘young’ Welbeck. Anderson is at United years. he has been apart of 3 Champions league champaigns that have ended in the final. He’s a good lad who seems to be one of the boys and a bit of craic. But United where linked to Sneijder Modric Nasri etc only a few months ago. They have England best player(and maybe of my time) Wayne Rooney in CM because of this huge gap that should of been filled by Anderson over his long stay here. Ronaldo Nani Fletcher and so on were highly skilled but highly frustrating when they got to the UInited first team but we are talking 4 years now. Nani should of been last seasons Player of the Year. His Stats are amazing,At this point in his time at United Ronaldo,The diving stepover winger with untapped talent, Ronaldo wrapped up the campaign with a career-high 42 goals in all competitions. Im not saying Anderson should be falling 2 short of four short of Denis Law’s team-record mark of 46 in a season but I am saying he is to United what Veron was, what antonio reyes was to Arsenal, Amazingly talented but This is not the right team for him. If it was Wayne Rooney Valencia Park and Jones (Although efficient and in Jones case like a one-man band, ) wouldnt be used in that role
Also agree with King Eric Anderson aves 2.6 tackles a game and leads all Utd players,congratulations? that stat has to be a piss take ffs
Great! Lets leave Eriksen and all the rumours to the scouts and the Boss then. But its not too early to speculate about January.
Cedars sat in a Manchester bar enjoying a quiet beer….. In walks Townsend
A few minuted later ambulance sirens are heard as big nose is carried off to hospital!
we shd buy that Götze kid
Danny been sent back to OT with a muscle injury,wtf is going on with all these injuries
planetx6 – Yeah its ok saying “we should buy this kid or that kid”. Its simply not that easy. Just because we are United doesn’t mean he wants to come. He may prefer Germany or Spain. The club may not want to sell. He may not have the right attitude Fergie likes. So many factors. Its not a case of buying whoever we fancy and it coming off.
Haven’t read all the comments but agree with the general feeling that he lacks consistency.
@King Eric … good to see you back, and yeah, what’s up with those stats? I read that shit about 2 tackles per game and 1.8 key passes per game and had the same thought as you: what the fuck is up with that?
My one additional thought on Ando is that we are sometimes spoiled by young players who reach a high degree of maturity (I mean, football maturity) very early in their careers. We look at someone like Rooney, who’s just turned 26 and is already in his 10th PL season, or Messi, who turned 24 in summer and is playing his eighth first-team season, and both those players have always appeared tremendously mature on the field. Yet that distorts our view of others who are, quite simply, a little more normal.
Anderson has been playing for a few years already (in his fifth season for us) but he is “only” 23.5. He started a little later than Rooney (but still young) but more importantly, he hasn’t progressed so quickly. As noted in other comments here, it is mostly inconsistency. But whatever the downside, I still think some people are a little too quick to write guys off in situations like this. Not everyone is a Rooney or a Messi, who can run on to the field with the men at 16 or 17 and immediately look like they belong. It’s unrealistic of us to expect that — that’s what I mean when I say we are spoiled.
If SAF has seen enough to convince him it’s worthwhile being patient, that’s something we should all take note of. Not just because he’s Sir Alex and he knows best (even though he does). But because there’s never, ever been a finer judge of young talent at this club or any other that I’m aware of. I do honestly believe that if there was some flaw in Anderson’s make-up (his attitude, his skill or ability, his ability to concentrate — whatever) then Sir Alex and his staff would have uncovered it by now, and Ando would be gone already. Young players don’t survive for five years at OT otherwise — the competition is simply too brutal.
So: patience, fellow Reds, patience!
Ironic really in the old days,footballers weren’t as fit,tackles rougher,alot of the lads smoke and drank yet seemed to show up week after week.Nowadays players are on a strict diet,health is monitored have all the latest equipment,fined tuned athelites and seem to go down like flys.
Stateside – Hello mate. Thanks alot.
Off topic but why the fuck isn’t Ryan Tunnicliffe in under 21′s? That meat head Barclay came on last night and is a year younger than Ryan. Barclay doesn’t look all that to me. Pogba owned him a month back. Mind you we are talking Stuart fucking Pearce. The clown who played Tom outwide left or benched him in favour of fucking Henderson. Furthermore McEachran starts every game and if anyone can just watch the youth cup semi two leg from last year. Tunnicliffe shat all over that rentboy McEacran. Had him in his pocket with ease.
wayne – I think they are TOO highly tuned now. Any knock and they are fucked.
wayne – Just read that Danny has been sent back as a precaution. Nowt serious just a bit tight so Capello doesnt want to risk him,. Should be ok.
I am wondering if the tackling stats (or lack of them!) may be an indication of the modern trend of shielding and pressing players into errors, rather than outright tackling? Just a thought, a question really. It seems to me that the trend is away from direct tackling, especially in the middle of the field, and more about taking away space and time in order to induce errors, partly as a reaction to more “sensitive” refereeing, and partly due to greater emphasis on positional awareness. I mean, you read stories about Carlos Q placing rubber mats on the training ground at Carrington to teach players where exactly they need to stand (within a yard!), and others like The Scarf and Maureen walking players through positional drills without even a ball. And we see players like Carrick, who is often slated on here for not tackling when he’s playing at back of the midfield, even though his role is clearly designed to be more of a screening role in front of the defense, taking away the attackers’ passing lanes and directing them out wider, and I would argue the stats may well be a reflection of changed emphasis in the modern game. I’m not saying there’s no tackling, because there is, but it seems that these days, players are coached into applying pressure in other ways, and to be very choosy about where and when they actually tackle.
It’s just a stab in the dark, but I would guess interceptions play a much greater role in how possession changes these days — interceptions being ‘misplaced’ passes caused by the pressing tactics of the other team.
@King Eric think that’s it mate, over the last few seasons Utd have had to deal with alot of injuries,maybe the players are being overtrained, that being the reason for all these pulls and muscle strains.
sorry lads but jack rodwell is WAYYYY overrated really woudnt fancy him much as a United player, but in fergie we trust!!
as for Ando it takes me a while to lose faith in a player and his early season form built that faith up again and then CRASH! the Ando who stinks the place out returns i still have faith in the lad imo and i think in Fergies opionion he has until the end of the season and if he still doesnt do it its good luck son!
Wayne/King Eric …yeah, there is definitely something in King Eric’s response about players being too highly tuned these days. In a sense, they are pushed to such high levels of fitness, they constantly live much closer to breaking point.
Yeah the stats may be good but of course they will be when you are passing sideway, has made any match defining passes, any outstanding contribution at all. I don’t mean to slag Anderson off but he is becoming lazy and the worse is he is also putting on weight, he doesn’t even look like an athlete. Like I said before I would not be surprised if Anderson just makes it to training on time and is the first to leave after training. Wasn’t there an article on here which said Anderson had a better pass rate than Fabregas but we all know Fabregas is the better player. To me Anderson is just doing enough, if he had more competition for his place maybe we would see a different Anderson but because he is to get games he plays like he doesn’t care.
jay …I can assure you that SAF and his staff monitor every minute detail or Anderson’s weight (as they do for every player) and if there was any issue at all, they would address it. When you make comments like that, you’re not just criticising him, you’re also basically saying that Sir Alex and his staff are also not doing their job.
DAMMIT i fucking hate England we give you welbeck NOT injured, playing very well and you return him to us with a muscle strain? WTF. I really wanted him to start upfront with rooney at Swansea.
Hello RoM. Money making machine.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8891523/Manchester-United-report-increased-turnover-of-78.3-million-in-first-quarter.html
Andro, I like Sir Giles response. Spot on. He is getting better. Potential is a double edge sword.
He can’t kick with his left(right) foot, he can’t tackle, he can’t head the
ball and he doesn’t score many goals. Apart from that, he’s all
right
@King Eric I hear you. Obviously agree but i guess i was just appreciating midfield talent Germany has produced over last few years
High guys. Nice read as most days.
Looks like Qatar looking at Everton now since they could not buy Man Utd. Fuck a third endless pocket of money.
Stateside or KE and anyone do you know when FFP is set to kick in? Maybe the Glazzers keeping the team is best????????
I disagree with most post. I do not see Mr. Anderson being the fabled CM that will solve our problems in the mid field. How long have we being saying we need a CM…well we have had one, Anderson.
To be honest he is too too slow, or doesn’t seem to try very hard. The fact that he has been our leading scorer from the midfield should not be a good thing, it speaks more to our lack of goals from that area
Also as stated,” The average rating of 7.37 considerably better than that of Giggs, Fletcher, Cleverley and Carrick.” Giggs, Cleverly, and Carrick haven’t been playing much have they?
I don’t appreciate anything German the cunts,actually get hot looking German women,don’t mind the food and like the beer fests apart from that Germans can fuck off
@Paul Parker
Easy mate just because i disagree Ando has progressed doesnt mean i disagree with everything you have said. You dont need to class me ” one of those supporters” as I have always maintained our midfield is not good enough and is the reason we will not win the champions league and will have a real battle for the prem this year.
Flecther has been poor for two years for different reasons, Carrick had a torid 18 months, and Ando is not perforning well.
We can look at stats all day long and say he has the best but thats the issue our midfield is not good enough simple as. 2 tackles a game and 2 goals is not a good return fuck me I bet Charlie Adam has better stats than that and he is fucking useless. Lucas Leiva on stats was the best tackler in the league last year but what the fuck does that mean.
If we are niaive enough to think he is playing well then we need to pull our heads out of our arses because for the main he is so fucking lazy it makes me ill. The galati game did it for me I watched Carrick cover every blade of grass and just saw Ando walking at times. Its no suprise we arte Clev so much as he is everything Ando isnt 1) Interested and 2) busy as fuck and industrious.
I tried my hardest not turn this into a rant on Ando but from your reply I will have to be honest on his day i.e. city in the charity shield superb but off his day which is 90% including the Norwich game where he was non existant bar the goal is too often.
Bratwurst, Beer and Babes……. I love the German girls as well.
@StPerciaval
Completelty agree and is of teh same opinion as my post above.
I didnt know Manchester United was signing five year olds?
SAF offered, offered 20 mill for Nasri he had verbally agreed to come then Shity offered him 150k a week and he took it. SAF is looking to add as always. Like KE say’s it is difficult to find a top man with the right mind set and there team wants to sell and he wants to come. Many pieces. SAF likes similar Nationalities or same language speaking young team mates to help each other through the pressure together. I have not seen a German player at Man Utd?!? In the next 2 windows I see 2 MF players being purchased. Not just 15 to 18 year old talent prospects.
His dad says his favorite players are Hart and Botalli hehehehehe
Zibbie- dont think SAF made an official approach for Nasri….. I thought it was all newspaper hype
@StatesideAussie believe me there is no way I am criticising Ferguson or the Manchester United staff, but are you telling me he doesn’t deserve the criticism he is gaining weight and he has not been playing well, now if he was Ronaldo the original then I would not have a problem, he was able to produce even when his physique was not in tip top condition. Anderson on the other hand does not seem to care for his physique and is playing badly.
@zibbie … I wouldn’t mind sticking my bratwurst into a german babe or two!
@stpercival … “Also as stated,” The average rating of 7.37 considerably better than that of Giggs, Fletcher, Cleverley and Carrick.” Giggs, Cleverly, and Carrick haven’t been playing much have they?” But isn’t that point about averages — that they take into account factors like playing time?
Rohan the money is there mate!! Man Utd can buy any player they want. They have a self enforced salary cap and chose not to overpay. Shity and Chel$ki have done what Man Utd did for years. Buy the best and pay them the most. The best buy is one of yours, weakens you strengthens them. Next best overpay for your rivals target you get them and they don’t. With Man Utd profit growing so much there is more for salaries for the top player’s like Nani at 90K right now and there talking a raise for him up to 130K to keep his pay in line of his talent.
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/united-offer-deal-to-30m-ballon-dor-nominee—repo
Hello Tony B, could be no offer was made. People here would know more then I. If I recall SAF said almost as much???
Stateside hehe, German decedents all over the upper Mississippi Valley.
Nowhere near as good as David Silva is now, but will be a lot better than David Silva ever be in the future..
Jay … what I am saying is that at every leading club, players are constantly monitored for weight and fitness performance. Clubs employ large numbers of experts whose job is to ensure each player is within his ideal weight range. According to the best sources available (both the official PL site and whoscored.com), Anderson is 176cm tall and his weight is 69kg. Rooney is an inch taller (178cm) and 9 kilos (20 pounds) heavier. Now, I’m sure those stats are not updated every week, but like I said, the clubs monitor these things very closely. Plenty of top-flight players have talked about how closely their weight is monitored and how much pressure there is; I have even heard stories that some contracts require compliance with club’s directions in these matters. It is not credible to me that United would allow a player to get out of shape (which is what overweight amounts to). It is even less credible that having allowed that ot happen, they would then not only continue to play him, but to make him one of their mainstays.
I love how Soccer is growing here in the US, ESPN has the England game live on HD!!!!!!
I meant the US game live!!!
I agree with me
Stateside in 1977 my high school coaches weighed us every week if we were heavy we ran extra after practice they were called the HOGS!!! And every one walking in to shower would tease the HOGS as then ran by. hehe
I’m one hell of a guy, just ask me.
I agree with me as well.
COME ON USA!!!!
Zibbie … re the FFP rules. My understanding is that the rules actually kick in this season, but won’t be enforced for another two seasons. But like I have always said, where there’s a rule, there’s a loophole, and where there’s a loophole, there’s an accountant or a lawyer waiting to slither through it. The US federal tax code is 13,458 pages in 20 volumes and is full of loopholes — there are plenty of rich people and companies who pay no tax at all. Some even have “negative tax” (tax credits). So when it comes to the FFP rules, my expectation is that they’ll be a farce.
Zibbie … so you were a fat cunt at high school? hahahaha! That’s OK, I’m a fat cunt now!
@tonybee
Mate it is well documented within ot that he did make an approach for nasri there was a great article in red issue on it.
@zibbie: the salary cap would be widened due to the heightened profit posted. hence said,…
can’t wait for financial fair play to kick in
There’s only one George Best! Jello world wide Reds!
pls a little bit off topic… How is Ashley Young? When is he going to be fit for selection? And even Baba giggs
wayne makes an excellent point about footballers these days with all these injuries….. Looking back at the George Best era, tackles flying in like it was karate, pitches shit as fuck, way far behind on what we have these days in terms of diet, fitness, perfect pitches and more protection from refs….
Strange one that
Evening Willie my great red friend….. One George Best indeed, best the world will ever see RIP
25th of this month marks the anniversary of his death, 6 years it will be…..
LEGEND
Forget his ability, the boy can’t celebrate goals, worrying especially when considering he;s brazillian or is he?
I really don’t want to say this in 5 years time but it looks increasing likely;
“Ando was a mistake, an expensive error, We brought a naive, clumsy brazillan to replace a tactical genius who disguised himself as an englishmen. He was never good enough, was too much like Veron, a likely disaster considering how brazillians cope in England, its just well that Thomas came through & brought balance to the United Universe when Scholes retired, otherwise we would have been in big trouble.”
After 4 years of stupidness,some spark,injuries,crashing cars,hitting form for a month then declining in ablility without Thomas holding his hand, Im confused by this lad.
As long as he wears our shirt, I’ll back him for anything. I am desperate to see this lad suceed as I am quick to praise him when he’s playing well in fear that I’ll have to wait months to see him perfrom well again.
I believe SAF can get the best of Ando, he does appear to have matured, less errors in his games, its just he can’t impose himself as our midfied monster.
Cedars – Hello mate? Bestie, was the best. Aptly named.
Salary cap?100 shooters a week in early sixties and twenty a week before that
Anderson needs a big few weeks. I’m gonna stick by him though. We’re too quick to write young players off. Hopefully the return of TC will be the inspiration for his return to form. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway.
Good Essay Clint, prefer it when Papii comments but you will do for now.
Ando is better than what most clubs have.
Henderson
Mikel
Barry
Cheque Toyotay
Dear Santa,
I would like you to Cabaye Fergie one quality midfielder.
Hope you are doing rodWell.
Love Clint Dempsey
xxx
I agree with him too
@willie
I don’t think its a case of writing him off mate at his age players like Rooney had been doing it for seven years. He has talent but has he got hunger as you can’t train that. I don’t want to sell him but many on here are glorifying him and for the best part he has been largely dissapointing.
Best to wear the shirt, Best to wear the boots, Best to ever play the game
Best was one of ours
Hiya Willie
Proper sat on the fence. Agree with GHTT and Paul Parker.
Inconsistent. It’s the way he disappears from games. Maybe he got used to the Prince coming on in the latter stages. I don’t count adventurous through-balls though. Like to see CMs trying things, even if they don’t come off. Him and Cleverly looked good early season, but both could improve their long passing so play can be switched to the wings. That’s if the boss sees us continuing that way of playing. I wonder, because the player producing those scholes 40 yarders has been De Gea. We looked comfortable with Young’s workrate in addition to Nani. Wingers are important in the club’s history and for this reason, the 2 in the middle have to work that bit harder. We’ve had a fair share of superheroes in the centre, but they’re scarce and never guaranteed to succeed, regardless of their record in other teams, because there’s an insistence on there being 2 wingers who hug the touchline on a wide pitch. I sometimes wonder if Sir Alex feels the central area is actually worth sacrificing in order to play the way we do.
England XI v Sweden: Hart, Walker, Cahill, Terry, Baines, Downing, Rodwell, JONES, Barry, Walcott, Zamora
Crapello needs to have his leg examined….he must be hiding that intelligent brain he had somewhere.
What the fuck has Cahill done to get Centre?
Why is Terry a captain??
Downing is pathetic who the fuck would want him (Cough I did*)
Jones has played more for ingurand in midfield than he has done for United !
Anyone know why Danny was sent home early from England. theFA.com says it was “precautionary”
@Clint This is the second game with Jone playing Carrick like role in front of defense for england. Might have worked v Spain and that was a strong test.
Shit….The return of the King?
Since when KE decided to make a come back? I’ve been busy all these days and havent been able to visit RoM….anyways, welcome back KE!
Check out Adiyita’s commemorative video to Sir Alex 25 year reign. Enjoy:
http://dai.ly/u0Lruc
PS: Ando needs consistency…but so does Evans, Nani, Valencia, Berbatov, Fletcher, etc
Giggs – That wasn’t directed at you mate. He has been poor lately. Not disputing that. Lets see how he fares, when TC comes back into the team.
@willie
Hey mate I know that wasnt I was just adding on really onto what you were saying pal
Zibbie – Mate the Nasri thing goes like this. And this is pretty much spot on according to many sources. Fergie had agreed a deal with Nasri. City bunged his agent around 3 million large to ensure they signed him. Greedy fucking bastards.
Devil310 – Thanks alot mate .
I almost feel embarrassed now by the gratitude shown by alot on here. Really I aint that fucking special!!!
to be frank, he does not impress much in matches, and he’s rather inconsistent as well, plays well in one game, then disappears completely in the next one. I still believe we need to get a more experienced midfield player in January, more a Keano type if possible
Apparantley according to red issue after the rebuff from Nasri Fergie said “You enjoy the money, we will enjoy the trophies you cunt”.
Has any of you guys seen Christian Eriksen play?
They say he is of a similar mould to Michael Laudrup, blimey if he is half as good, he is going to be a cracking player!
Made in Laudrup
@king Eric & zibbie
Strong rumours also say that nasri changed his mind and still wanted to come to united and saf said you will never disrespect this club enjoy the money you cunt.
You beat me to King Eric, I fucking love that story. I know a few lads who work for mutv and they are adamant its true
King Eric
You ARE special, you support United buddy
I’m special too
I just signed Gareth Bale for United
Football Manager of course
By doing so my board have let me known that the clubs revenues will increase through shirt sales
And that the fans are ecstatic with the purchase
I never knew I had it in me!
MG
Manager of Manchester United FC
Football Manager God
MG
I miss one of them Harry interviews my friend….. Perhaps you could do this old head a favor and do one?
p.s. Of course you are special, very special to be precise
@Jeet – cheers mate!
@12Giggs – easy mate, well said, but read that sentence again as I didn’t class you as anything Pal, I just posed you a question. Fucked if I know what your deepest darkest thoughts on United are, so instead of assuming what you thought I asked you for your thoughts. Now I have them, I only mentioned Fletcher because I don’t think Ando gets the same sympathy as the Scotsman, even though Fletcher has been anything but consistent in recent times himself. Before having a torrid season last year, the man labelled Fletcherinho by some was in superb form as one of the best mids in the EPL – and I mention that because Anderson also hit a bad patch that ended his period of good performances. Everybody agrees Ando was top for his first season, (imo he was solid for his first two seasons), but it was his third season that fucked everything up as he was out of contention for half the season – and thats as serious as anything thats happened to Fletcher. The thing is tho mate, while Fletcher’s good form is fondly remembered, and his more recent lacklustre displays faithfully forgotten and understood (and rightly so), the reverse is true of Anderson, whereby people remember his poor performances VIVIDLY yet brush aside his top performances as if they didn’t matter.
Take for example Norwich, he secures us 3pts and you say he was “non existent bar the goal”. Yeah, well where the FUCK was the rest of the team for 60 odd minutes mate? And in particular, what was your opinion of Fletcher’s midfield performance in that same game? Because if Ando was ineffective in the middle as you say he was, he wasn’t alone in the middle was he? For me, both players are desperate for more games so this early into the season im not drawing God-like conclusions. Mate, I know some go to games Expecting a win and thats probably why it gets quiet as FUCK at OT on occasion, but in case it needed pointing out, Norwich held Chelsea to a draw till the last ten minutes, they gained a point off Liverpool AT Anfield, they held us to a draw for over an hour, and they are currently top half of the table. They weren’t even in the Championship 2 years ago and thats the beauty of our league, so im not one that says we should beat this and that team, bollocks to that arrogance, the EPL doesn’t work like that its not La Liga, and Ferguson wouldn’t have it.
Having said all that its ok if you don’t get or agree with the points im making, and I’ve no intention of going round in circles on this particular issue either. We can agree to disagree on this one mate, and theres one point you made that sums up our differences on Anderson perfectly:
YOU say; he was “superb” against City in the Charity Shield but against Galati he “makes me ill”
IM SAYING; yes its true, between the ages of 18 and 23 he has under-performed on occasion and been disappointing… but my word! That 4-3 against City! That 2-1 against City! That 3-2 against City! Bloody hell, he was superb in those games and thats just the ones against the League leaders, our Ando ain’t even playing to the best of his abilities yet either, so now that Scholes has retired….
Thats the difference, but no worries tho mate! Hope Anderson doesn’t make you too ill this season aye? Crikey.
Paul Parker
Blimey, you have a fantastic writing skill…. Love your posts
Cedars
For You:
Jeff
Well Harry hows the ticker?
Arry
Well Jeff blimey I’m having one to one sessions with Alex on this one
Jeff
Are you worried about the tax evasion case?
Arry
The what?
Jeff
The tax evasion case?
Arry
Do they have that in Spain?
Jeff
Harry what are you talking about?
Arry
Well I’m the manager of Barcelona now and it’s triffic the weathers lovely and the city is just well triffic.
Jeff
Harry what are you on about?
Arry
In Football Manager 2012 The Harry Redknapp Healthy Hearts Club Edition Barcelona came for me so I’ve gone on to bigger things – thats why I keep on talking to Alex about it – but he keeps on putting the phone down on me! I don’t know why
Jeff
Fucking hell Harry I think you’ve lost it
Arry
Well Jeff I think you and that Rooney should lose your appeals for your bans damn you should all get 10 match suspensions forget getting rid the three.
Poor Jeff walks away shaking his head.
Arry
Oi Jeff – when you see that Rooney tell him does he want to come to Barca – cause I can’t ask Alex I don’t think he gets me anymore you know? Triffic.
I have it in good authority, that Paul Parker is indeed, Anderson’s agent.
Good write up What??? Sorry, Paul Parker! 
Hello lads, good to see the place rocking again. i wonder could “admin” be Costa(T)s
Ando is a weird case to be honest, but i feel he can bring to the table.
We have no business playing a 2 man midfield to be honest and thats why a 4-3-3 should be brought back. Denton i think was musing about playing the 2 man midfield we currently employ a few post back. For me to get the best out of the CM’s we should be playing with more forwards and a winger less – in my opinion. midfield 3 of Ando, Tom C and Fletcher/Carrick with Roo,Welbeck and Nani up top adds more balance. i’d even feel comfortable with Roo playing in the midfield 3 replacing Ando so Hernandez can slot into the extra position up top.
Not sure Ando could be a world beater but like i said at the start, the boys got a bit to offer. The one thing we haven’t done is find our best 11 and gone ahead with rotating the squad. Injuries have played their part but i think we need to settle on a best 11 before we actually see the benefits of rotation
slim
Costas as Admin
Admin of Kebabs more like
Cheers MG, just cheered the living day lights out of me…hahaha
Much appreciated my friend
Good luck Luis Nani( the real MJ) Hope it isn’t a thriller though. Just tell the opposition to beat it. Lets pray the rest of your team – mates aren’t bad.
Gareth(quicksand)Barry puts England 1 up.
Willie
I hope Nani isn’t a stranger in Moscow next summer but goes to the Euros. I wish he doesn’t end up as a smooth criminal but heals the world with his football instead. I also wish that he doesn’t scream so much in Poland and Ukraine but ends up remembering the time as player of the tournament.
Cedars – anything for you my friend.
@paul parker
Indeed mate the games you cited he was excellent and yes Fletcher was missing in the Norwich game. My point is that he is far more frustrating and ineffective than he is influential. Like you say mate no point us going round in circles let’s agree to disagree. Let it be said I hope your the one to proved right and me post tail between my legs if he comes consistently the player we know he can be. That’s why I said makes me ill as I know he has it and just frustratingly want him to be the answer.
I’m watching Paddy Evra’s long term replacement tonight.
@MG
Ha ha.
Oh Jonesy! Should have scored.
Jones !!!! Almost 2-0 to the boys. Well played. More of that for United!
I’m watching the wife this evening – interesting
Of course I’m also writing 
Now Rodders misses a sitter.
@MG
sounds like a good evening lol.
Willie
Can’t beat it
I keep on telling her the way you make me feel is so good
Because it’s in the closet and that she is not alone
Fergie left him out of the squad for the Everton and Sunderland game which to me speaks volumes.
At one nil down at home to city he was a liability. Unfit, doesnt track back. Not sure about his commitment.
I admin it. I am the admin.
Ausnick2001 well said…
King eric…i would rather buy Erickson than Modric or Sneijder…he is cheaper and smaller wages for start and very young..in CL he played against Dinamo (my club) and played like from another world. Ayax players play good in almost every league.
My opinion is that Sir Alex make players better than they are. Our middle is average accept of Nani and Giggs…so i ask myself what we would do in CL if we could get enough money for worl class midd players. I dont think only about fee, but wages. I m so sorry that we couldnt buy David Silva…
These stats should be more worrying than anything, about how poor the rest of the midfield has been. Especially defensively. Less than 2 interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game…. Thats woeful! Really really poor. Offensively, I don’t know if I am expecting too much, but fewer than 1.8 key passes (i.e. assists or pass before a shot), isn’t really something to get excited about, hardly running a game and being a creative force…
Seems to be a pointless article to be honest…
Lets see the stats side by side with City’s equivalent player David Silva, would be laughable…
I know this is not a subject but… BUT We kicked Turks ass sooooo baaaaad for that EC defeat in Austria in 120 th minute!!!! We played like European Brasil…
@mara
Yeah my friend, but who sent you to the Play offs in the first place.
Only kidding. Glad to see you get your revenge for that game. And it couldn’t happen against a better opponent.
ABSOLUTE THUNDERBOLT FORM NANIIIII!!!!!! FUCKING AMAZING!!! the crowd are singing his name. SUPERB!!!!
Go on Nani!!
Who needs Ronnie! 
Goooooooolazo! Nani!
@dannysoya – yes, what a goal! could not believe the speed and precision! WOW
Nani, Nani, Nani are you ok? Are you ok Nani?
NANI OH NANI NANI!!!! we better pay the man. He’s not going anywhere PAWS OFF juventus and inter.
Naniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii what a goal!!!!
Do not believe he made more tackles than our defenders, that stat can’t be right.
Also, no way is he in the same league as Cleverly.
Stats only tell part of the picture = 20% in most sports. Ando has played really well with Cleverly this term but has also been extemely poor. Our MF was non existent defensively in too many games against weak teams.
I want him to do well and shine but these stats do not accurately reflet what our eyes can see – they make him look better than he is.
Ronnie makes it two! :p
Well done the Irish! Through to the finals. Nice one Gotta Hate!
Costas is the Admin
Willie
Nani:
Don’t stop till you get enough!
Nani made it two!
MG – Do you remember the time….when Nani scored a cracker?
Even portugeseprincess is happy
And no sight of that Devil of a Cedars
Nani showing the world how class he, he is a ridiculous talent
Willie
Of course Nani Beat it so good
He wanna be startin something that Nani
Doesn’t look like England need Rooney. Capello shouldn’t include him in the squad.
Agree with Costas
Ditch Rooney get in Carroll
Failing that Get Heskey back in
Bring back Steve Bull!
All the young kids now typing Steve Bull into Google.
@MG
All they need is Darren Bent. He was enough to beat the mighty Spain after all.
Of course Costa Rica are also beating Spain, but lets not get facts get in the way of a good story.
First Google hit
Steve Bull – Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bull
Stephen George “Steve” Bull, MBE, (born 28 March 1965 in Tipton, Staffordshire) is an English former footballer who is best remembered for his 13-year spell at …
Costas
Now this formula must be transferred from Spain to Barcelona and Hey presto we can win the CL again.
What Bull-crap.
@MG
Just a tiny problem. Spain don’t have Messi.
Who by the way is losing with his national side at Colombia. Funny how the Colombias and Venezuelas have him figured out better than the Spanish sides…
Darren Bent? who’s stealing my thunder here? Been calling out for his name for years
Buggers
Opps, sorry, meant Marcus Bent!
Carry on
Costas
But I’ve always said Xavi is he better player
Cedars
Why thanks Cedars
I don’t think many of us are hoping for Anderson to score the lot like Scholes was when he was in his prime. All we are asking for is for Anderson not to lose the ball so often
A ladder for begovic please!
Welcome back KE. Glad to see you.
a big shout to Willie, MG, Costas, Cedars, Clint, Giggs12 and the rest of the crew… great to see your posts here… cheered me up every day despite being in the doldrums of late.
Dzeko is a Fucking clown. great to see that smug smile wiped off that bastard’s face.
Terry still a cunt?
Cheers lads.
Portugueseprincess
Great night aye? B-)
No worries regarding Ando… he’ll come through. He’s with SAF after all.
What is the situation regarding Gibson?
@ Costas my comprende…i was in Austria when we score in 119 th minute, while i was jumping happy like i won, not one but tree jackpots, Turks started to jump like crazy…when i saw on the screen what happend i could not believe. You cant imagine that feeling, only English when we kicked their ass from EC… Hahaha kidding
we play good when we play with someone who plays open, but with Greeks like pussys, they jump on you from the back. And i think that bookies loose money on Croatia like crazy, because you never now with us. We win Italy but lose against Equador…
Where’s Zibbie?
redrider – Hello pal?
Good to see you posting again mate.
My parents are from Bosnia…actualy lot of people in Croatia is from Bosnia…so if i m Manchester United fan it doesnt mean i m fan of Portugal…sorry for Bosnia. They have great players and feel so sorry for them. Shitty Portugal!
Mara. Oh I agree. I rate that Erikson lad. Seen a fair bit of him for Ajax and Denmark. Scored against Ingerlund If I remember rightly. He is a top young player.
There is a documentary about Nani on Sunday night on MUTV. He is well loved in Portugal. Superb player. Like most if the team of late he has suffered a slump in form but has been top drawer last eighteenth month. On his day he is unplayable.
Hah… Evening Willie…
To be honest… lost the will to summon up the energy to post after the derby. 
That took some time.
redrider – It was a bad one mate. I said at the time, let the bitters have their day. As long as we’re top come the end of the season.
Mara
I hope you don’t fancy six Fucking fingers dzeko mate.
I feel for Bosnia… about time they made an appearance. Maybe next time.
Willie
Hmmm… yes indeed. Good to have you guys to keep the spirits high here. Would have made a world of difference to those who’ve read em.
Glad to get Internationals done with. December is around the corner and I can see a few purple patches for us on it’s way.
Plus… AC Revelations and The Old Republic releasing in a months time. Lol… missing Smartalex’s reaction when it comes to video games!
Cheers ye.
King Eric
Nani’s rise has been nothing but sensational. And inspiring. He’s got a lot of years ahead for us. Love him to bits. Love him more when I see a Rooney or the Berb yelling at him about something and then for him to pull something special out. Great lad. Feared if he’d do his capoeira flip after his goal tonight but remained sensible!!
KE and 12Giggs thanks on the Nasri thing.
Looks like a decent debate’s been going on today. On Ando….I’ve been a MASSIVE supporter of his, backed him a lot and this has been his first seaason where he had a proper pre season. I’m not gonna write him off at all coz let’s wait a little while longer. But stats, although sometimes useful, can be a bit like a short skirt……….looks good, but hides the important bit.
Stats might say one thing, but anyone with half an eye can see that he’s been off the boil for almost 2 months now. Note how at the start of the season he was playing the full 90, but since then he constantly gets the hook after 60-70 minutes. You’d hope it gives him a kick up the backside but it doesn’t seem to be working.
And his poor performances includes games like Norwich….he might have scored but his all round performance that day was shocking. If you’re a striker or winger, and you have a bad performance but still score or assist….then that’s fine, coz your job is to give us an end product.
But for centre midfielders, its a totally different situation. The team is relying on you to CONTROL the game and the possession…….so getting a goal or assist means nothing if you’ve been having a shocker for 89 minutes, coz you’re not doing your job properly. And as for this “he only plays well with Tom”….I don’t buy that. And if that is the case….then that’s not gonna wash with the gaffer. Coz with the heavy rotation fergie employs, if you can only play well next to a certain player…..you won’t last very long. All this “Player X can only play well with Player Y” is a load of cack IMO.
In any case, I’m not the biggest fan of the Clevs + Ando partnership yet. I still need convincing….coz as good as we look going forward, we were still leaking wayy too many chances, they weren’t offering the defence enough cover.
Saying all that, I don’t think Fergie has helped his development over the last 4 seasons. The constant chopping and changing isn’t beneficial to a young player…..especially, when in Ando’s case, he was playing a whole NEW position. That’s what people forget, he didn’t come as a centre mid, so he’ll probably be a bit behind in terms of development. I still have hope for him, and I won’t judge him fully yet, but he does need to buck up his ideas.
@Stateside 16.00
I think you’re bang on mate. The game has become much quicker and much skilful, and there’s a lot of emphasis on quick passing….plus refs have become much stricter…..so intercepting is basically the new tackling. People like Carrick, Alonso & Busquets, who rely on intelligent positioning and interceptions rather than bone crunching tackles are more likely gonna be the trend. Obviously in this country its not as highly regarded, hence the stick Carrick gets.
This article from the excellent Zonal Marking explains it much better than I can! It’s over a year old but the point generally stands.
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/07/30/central-midfield-role/
@Cedars – cheers mate, I type kinda fast so if the thread gets my interest I’ll go off on one!
@Willierednut – Ha! If only mate, if only! I’d buy everybody on RoM replica number 8 Anderson shirts haha. And big foam pitchforks signed by the devil himself.
Couldn’t bring myself to watch England, heard Jones had another good match. Top class and he’s getting more composed with each game. Well done Nani as well, fuck me, and he’s still years off his prime yet. Alex knows how to develop talent, that was a quality game with those two on the pitch.
@NorthStand Tier – Thats actually a good idea mate, lets quickly compare Anderson to his premiership equivalents while we’re on the thread.
At Champions League level, David Silva has been first team for 6 years now, and he’s averaged nearer 30 *league games* a season for those 6 years.
Juan Mata is in his 5th year at the Champions League / first team level, and he’s averaged over 30 *league games* a season for the last 4 years.
Silva and Mata both played for Valencia since teens and both were wanted by bigger Clubs from day one. Also, both players stayed under contract for four years and in return were guaranteed first team football by the Club. (and thats important to remember pal)
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Now look at Anderson. Arrived at Porto in January window aged 17, played 5 *league games* from March forcing his way into contention scoring 2 from the middle. Next season he scored another 2 in *20 games all comps* before breaking his leg halfway through a promising season.
So when you compare them, Anderson only had one disjointed season before he came to United, while SIlva and Mata arrived here with a minimum of four solid years of first team experience.
And thats the thing pal, Anderson gave up Champions League first team football to sign for us and sit behind Scholes, and four years ago Scholes was a player making Zidane’s hair stand on end FFS. So whatever vision Ferguson gave him, Anderson listened, because he chose to give up first team football AND the left wing, and come to United to develop for the centre of the park.
Call me an optimist but Scholes has only been gone 2 and half month. In my book its a bit early to compare him to Silva. If anything compare Nani, who is a better player even though he’s younger and doesn’t have HALF the years experience Silva has at first team level. Silva has done it for 6 years, but this is only Nani’s second “real” season as first choice. Anderson is 2 months into his first “real” season now that Scholes has gone imo.
@NBI RED ONION – Anderson not in the same league as Cleverley, you sure? As others have reminded, this is Tom’s first season as a senior player and he’s only 5 games in so far. God as my witness, if Cleverley ends his first season aged 21 with the same aplomb that Anderson ended his first season aged 19 we’ll all be giddy with delight and rightly so. So yeah I get your preference, but in truth Cleverley has a way to go before getting into Anderson’s League. For starters he’s got to help us retain our title so he can win his FIRST medal aye? Lets not count chickens before they hatch, and I mean us retaining our title as much as Cleverley’s development. Ando has 4 already… well earned ones too, I might add, unless his inconsistency has tarnished them somehow, and “no medal” is worth more than four and a CL final victory? Lol
Also, don’t get when you say the stats make Ando seem better then he is. I agree stats aint gospel but as Giggs12 agreed, watch the 8-1 again, watch the 3-0 Spurs again, hell the watch City 3-2 and Barcelona 2-1 again. Thats all in the last few months and those individual performances were top class. The Brazilian IS as good as he looks, but as I just said to NorthTier, all the talent in the world amounts to FA until you get week in week out first team experience.
Have your favourites and all that but be realistic mate. Do you think Cleverley would be this good without a full 24 *league game* season with Wigan, and a full 33 *league game* season with Watford the year before that? Also, don’t forget pal, if Anderson has played his best football this season with Cleverley (which he has) that also means the best of Cleverley’s first 5 games in his entire senior United career were played alongside Anderson as well. Needless to add, Cleverley didn’t wipe Anderson’s arse when he shat on Fabregas. Jesus, credit where its due!
@ Sparkz – you make good points in criticising Anderson. The only thing I’d say is Nani has also ‘gone off the boil’ in the league but he’s bounced back with his goal and performance last night. That confident return to form is down to the games he’s been getting for two seasons now. Anderson will follow suit. I’d agree with your view of Tom-Ando in the middle. Although their attacking football is the best since Giggs and Scholes a few seasons ago, the defensive side has been a problem, but they’ve only played 3 or 4 EPL games together anyway, so that side of their game will take time, but the early signs of a partnership are very promising imo mate.
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Easy RoM, all im saying is Alex a genius. Just look at those goals for Portugal last night. Ronaldo himself will tell you Ferguson and United made him a man.
True, Alex has played it down in response to the frustration towards Anderson – but we all know Anderson was bought with Scholes in mind. So having said that, this season really and truly is his big chance, and sticking strictly to the FACTS, for every Gulati this season, there’s been a 8-1, and its only November.
All I know is im looking forward to Tom and Ando playing again, and I couldn’t give a flying fuck about transfer targets, skepticism or schandenfraude. Its easy to back a player when he’s in form lads, but will you back him when he’s trying to regain it? No sooner was Evans hoist unto the shoulders of the faithful was he caste down and trodden on in shit. Annoys the fuck out of me.
Laters!
Redrider
i know that dzeko plays for those jerks Citeh but he is a good guy. Yes, he has to say that Citeh is bigger because of fans. Every player do that. But we think our players are saints and other are bitchies. I always try to be reasnoable about that. If anyone has to choose betwen United and Citeh, i think there is no question about that. But money do shit in players head.
@Redridder mate your firt post made me piss about Dzeko and Terry
@Sparkz Your anaology of stats also made me piss, love that and will be using throughout the course of the season when socusers tell stats about Lucas.
@Paul Parker Mate I am the same I just go off on one when I am interested and its only when I have read it back once posted I actuallty know what I have put haha
I didnt watch England play as maintained have not done so since 97 when all the United players were booed at Wembley by the fans so generally not arsed about them at all. I must say the rise of United in the ranks does excite me a little though with Jones, Smalling, Rio, Young, Rooney, Wellbeck and hopefully Carrick.
@PaulParker
Good post above mate about players in form and players trynig to regain it. I am one of the biggest supporters of out fo form players such as Carrick, Fletcher, Nani,. Evra, Valencia, Berba etc etc and like you say I go mad at fans in OT when i hear just negative shit when we expect to win everygame. We are right spoilt bastards at United and sometimes I actually find it refreshing when we have been spanked (Just not to City) as you see the real support for the team.
That said i want to distance myself from that with my view on Ando, I am behind the lad and would love him to suceed so like you say lets see when he gets TC back alongside him.
I have to admit that Ando frustrates the hell out of me, its obvious to all that he has the talent but does he have the mentality or application it requires to make a top player at a club like United? I don’t think his cause has been helped by not getting a consistent run of games, either through injury or Fergie shuffling the pack, I mean you only have to look at the way that Nani has developed now that he is playing the majority of games in his favored position.
That leads me onto another question; just what is Ando’s best position? I don’t think he enjoys being asked to sit back and I don’t think he has the discipline at this time to play the defensive role so should we be deploying three across CM with say Carrick holding and TC/Ando in the more advanced positions? OK this would mean playing Rooney up top by himself with Young and Nani out wide but when we played like that before it brought Rooney’s most prolific goal scoring season and a happy balance between defense and attack which we seem to be lacking at the moment – we were way too open at the beginning of the season where as now we are too defensive.
@badger: I wouldnt mind at all seeing this XI for a European night:
DDG
Any defence combo with Vida and Rio
Carrick Cleverly
Nani Ando Park
Rooney
Paul Parker – I salute you mate. You’re a persistent so and so lol. You’ve made valid points for everyone to read. The rest is up to Anderson.
@Willierednut – yep and yep… so no pressure on the lad then Lol. Brilliant goal by Nani last night aye? Its amazing what playing time and a bit of faith from Alex can do for a talented player. Classy.
@Badger – thats a bloody good point mate, because I’ve thought about a 4-5-1 with Young Anderson Carrick Cleverley and Nani, but a 4-3-3 sounds more appropriate tbf to our lads talent. WIth everbody getting forward and Carrick protecting the back four, we’d batter any team with those attacking players and a holding CM, let alone our full backs. Never thought about it as a 4-3-3 tho mate, and tbh I think a trio of Carrick, Tom and Ando would work wonders. If they can pass between them with Carrick as the safe option we’ll retain possession a lot better than a 2 man midfield, and going forward Tom and Ando can overlap on the wings when Young and Nani cut inside. Sounds like fantasy football but these are the players we already have at our Club, and its not like we don’t know the benefits of 4-3-3 already. Pick a forward line from Nani, Rooney, Hernandez, Young, Welbeck, Valencia, and Berbatov, and play them in front of Anderson Cleverley and Carrick. The back five pick themselves. Worth a shot aye? Also, Park Fletcher and Giggs all play well in a 3 man midfield. Who knows but I’d love to see it, its not like Rooney ain’t in midfield ffs! Giles called that seasons ago.
@Giggs12 – didn’t doubt your faith in the team for a second mate I’ve seen your screen name since it was at least 11. Good point about bouncing back from disappointments, and an element of being spoilt with success. I know what you mean about the players needing a swift kick on occasion, so our four back to back clean sheets is something to be positive about, not expected as mon droit or some shit. Fletcher and Park ave had more game time, and Cleverley’s had 45 odd minutes back, so credit where its due for the reaction to City. And as for Anderson, last thing I’ll say is im just glad he’s been rested after 8 EPL games from 11, and 3 CL games from 4. Hopefully the bad luck with inuries is behind him, as he really ain’t used to playing this many games in the first 2 and a half months of the season as first choice midfield! First time for everything I guess?
I agree with most of Sparkz’s comments above, and that, yes, a CM’s contribution should not be judged on a single goal. But the reason Ando plays well with Cleverley is that they are the only two mobile, pass-and-move midfielders we have. If Ando plays with Carrick, Fletcher or even Giggs, his game is forced to change as he can’t rely on his partner to give and go with him.
People above have criticised Ando for passing sideways. That is bloody retarded, completely and utterly, and one of the reasons why English football in general is so backward. Watching England over the last few games, the number of times someone attempted a ball that had, at max, a 50% chance of reaching its intended target was ridiculous when, in fact, a simple ball inside — and yes, sideways! — would have opened up the midfield and provided options for the recipient. Good central midfielders play the ball sideways because they know that a couple of simple, low-risk passes can be far more effective than one ambitious, high-risk ball.
We need to learn to accumulate possession and pressure rather than force the situation, and Ando is one of the few players in that position with the technical dexterity to do it.